Historical information
Andrew Wauchope initially trained as a naval cadet. After three years he obtained his discharge and resolved to enter the army. In 1881 he served on the staff in the Transvaal War. In 1885 he returned to Scotland to manage his family estates which he had recently inherited. The coal mines were highly productive and as a result he became one of the richest men in Scotland.
He was promoted to Colonel in 1888 and given command of the 2nd Battalion of the Black Watch in 1894. Promotion to Major-General occurred in 1898.
He was appointed to command the 3rd (Highland) Brigade in the South Africa War, which saw action at Belmont and Modder River as part of the force sent to relieve Kimberley. Pushing further, they again encountered the Boer force at Magersfontein.
In the resulting Battle of Magersfontein, the Highland Brigade was ordered to make a dawn attack on the Boer defences. However, the force was spotted before it was prepared to attack and faulty reconnaissance meant that the enemy positions were not properly located. Under heavy fire it struggled to deploy action. Wauchope was killed by rifle fire in the opening minutes of combat. It held its position for a short time after Wauchope's death. It was leaderless and no-one would take command until late afternoon and despite the Guards Brigade being in support, in the early afternoon it was routed.
Physical description
Individual image from photographed poster of tobacco and cigarette cards.
